US condemns anti-LGBTQ bill in Uganda

The United Nations rights chief on Wednesday urged Ugandan President to block an anti-LGBTQ bill that prescribes harsh penalties for some homosexual offenses, including death and life imprisonment. And in the U.S., National Security Council spokesman said if the law were enacted Washington would “have to take a look” at imposing economic sanctions on Uganda.

He noted that this would be “really unfortunate” since most U.S. aid is in the form health assistance, especially anti-AIDS assistance.Uganda's legislature passed the bill late Tuesday in a protracted plenary session during which last-minute changes were made to the legislation that originally included penalties of up to 10 years in jail for homosexual offenses.

In the version approved by lawmakers the offense of “aggravated homosexuality” now carries the death penalty.Aggravated homosexuality applies in cases of sex relations involving those infected with HIV as well as minors and other categories of vulnerable people.